Malta Citizenship by Investment

Following an EU Court of Justice ruling ordering Malta to terminate its citizenship for investment scheme, Malta amended its citizenship framework in 2025 and introduced a merit-based naturalisation pathway aimed at individuals who can demonstrate exceptional services or merit tied to Malta's national interest.

Unlike classic CBI programs, the merit-based route is not a published menu of donations or real estate thresholds. The regulations focus on eligibility, due diligence, and a structured process including a proposal stage and formal application, alongside practical requirements such as maintaining adequate residential property in Malta and evidence of residence before applying.

A successful applicant ultimately receives Maltese citizenship, which is EU citizenship and brings full EU free-movement rights. The Maltese passport is consistently ranked in the top global tier for mobility, with approximately 185 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. Processing time is not fixed in the legislation; market guidance commonly cites roughly 12 to 18 months, noting that the required pre-application residence period effectively sets a floor.

Due diligence is positioned as a central pillar of the post-2025 framework. Eligible family members can typically be included (spouse and dependants), with adult children up to age 29 and older dependent parents subject to specific conditions.